Aircraft Contrail Detection via Shadow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-observable aircraft face challenges in detecting contrail formation due to the need for dedicated and weight-additive sensors, which increase cost and observability issues, necessitating a more efficient contrail detection method.
Innovation Solution
The system detects contrail formation by analyzing real-time imagery for contrail shadows using aircraft flight data and optical sensors, determining the antisolar point and superimposing the aircraft flight vector onto the imagery to identify contrail shadows, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated rear-facing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated rear-facing sensors and cameras are mounted to detect contrails, then contrail detection capability is improved, but aircraft weight increases and low-observability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using existing multi-functional components (inertial measurement unit and optical sensor) that serve both navigation/terrain mapping functions and contrail detection functions. This eliminates the need for dedicated contrail detection equipment, avoiding additional weight while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's own existing sensors (inertial measurement unit and optical sensor) to detect contrails, making the aircraft self-sufficient for contrail detection without requiring external dedicated equipment. The inertial data and optical data already collected for other purposes are repurposed for contrail shadow detection.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated rear-facing sensors and cameras are mounted to detect contrails, thencontrail detection capability is improved, but aircraft cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using existing multi-functional components (inertial measurement unit and optical sensor) that serve both navigation/terrain mapping functions and contrail detection functions. This eliminates the need for dedicated contrail detection equipment, avoiding additional weight while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges contrail detection functionality with existing navigation and optical sensing systems. The inertial measurement unit data and optical sensor data are combined and processed together to detect contrail shadows, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If rearward facing cameras are installed to detectcontrails, thencontrail detection capability is improved, but aircraft skin integrity is compromised and low-observability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contrail detection function from physical rear-facing cameras that would require skin windows. Instead, it uses existing optical sensors positioned elsewhere on the aircraft, eliminating the need for skin penetrations while maintaining the ability to detectcontrail shadows through image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by detectingcontrail shadows on the ground or terrain rather than directly imaging thecontrail itself. This allows contrail detection without requiring rear-facing cameras with skin windows, as the shadow information is captured by optical sensors positioned on the aircraft fuselage.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated contrail detection equipment is mounted on the aircraft, thencontrail detection capability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the aircraft's own existing sensors (inertial measurement unit and optical sensor) to detect contrails, making the aircraft self-sufficient forcontrail detection without requiring external dedicated equipment. The inertial data and optical data already collected for other purposes are repurposed forcontrail shadow detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using existing multi-functional components (inertial measurement unit and optical sensor) that serve both navigation/terrain mapping functions and contrail detection functions. This eliminates the need for dedicatedcontrail detection equipment, avoiding additional weight while maintaining detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for real-time contrail detection without additional weight or cost, enhancing stealth capabilities by utilizing existing cameras and processing capabilities, and providing timely notification to pilots.
Implementation Method 1
determines whether a shadow exists along the flight vector in the real time imagery
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for the detection of aircraft contrails through the identification of contrail shadows in real time imagery provided during a flight. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, aircraft flight data is received at a contrail detection computer. This data is used to locate an antisolar point on a surface of the earth from the perspective of the aircraft in flight. Real time imagery of an opaque or semi-opaque surface below the aircraft that encompasses the antisolar point is received and analyzed for a contrail indicator. When the contrail indicator is detected, it is determined that the aircraft is creating a contrail.